Definition

A natural pigment found in the skin, hair, and eyes of humans and animals that gives them their color.

Example

The amount of melanin in your skin determines how dark or light it is.

Conversation

Did you know that melanin is what gives our skin its color?

Yeah, I heard that! It's interesting how it varies from person to person.

Exactly! I think it's amazing how melanin can affect everything from skin tone to hair color.

For sure! It’s such a unique aspect of our biology.

Synonyms & Antonyms

Root Explanation

Melanin → The word 'melanin' is derived from the Greek root 'melas' (meaning black or dark) and the suffix '-in' (used in chemistry to denote substances). Thus, 'melanin' refers to a substance that is dark or black in color, specifically the pigment responsible for coloration in skin, hair, and eyes.

Memory Tip

Think of the Greek word for black ('melas') to remember that 'melanin' is the dark pigment that gives color to our skin and hair.

Visually Confused Words